For his most recent effort, Tarpaper Sky, the country singer/songwriter reteamed with the same core of musicians who backed him on his 1988 classic, Diamonds & Dirt. Fittingly, the album’s 11 tracks, which swing from barroom stompers to heartrending ballads, give off a timeless air, as though they too could have been laid to tape back in ’88 — be it 1988 or 1888.

Though Crowell has achieved considerable solo success (Diamond & Dirt, for one, produced five consecutive number one singles), he still remains best known to some mainstream country fans for his work as a songwriter, penning tunes for the likes of Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack and Tim McGraw. Tarpaper Sky might not shift this perception, but judging by the unhurried manner the musician eases into these relaxed tracks, it’s a safe bet this wouldn’t bother him in the least.